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Page 2, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 3
Volume 28Issue #4
www.theloaferonline.com • info@theloaferonline.come-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial)
Page 4, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
Tickets for the 2nd Annual
January Jams at the Barter Theatre
are now on sale and going fast. This
series will include 7 total concerts,
starting January 9, and run every
Friday and Saturday during
January. “We are excited to expand
the number of shows offered
from 4 to 7 this year after the
overwhelmingly positive response
last year,” explains Sara Cardinale,
Special Events Coordinator for
the ACVB. “The lineup this year
has generated quite the buzz, and
highlights Abingdon as an up-‐and-‐
coming music destination.” The
show kick-‐off, as well as a Friday
and Saturday concert, for a total
of three nationally acclaimed acts
on stage. The genres include soul,
blues, rock, bluegrass, country and
Americana roots music. There’s
something for every music lover
weekend’s schedule is as follows:
Thursday, January 9th-‐ St. Paul
and The Broken Bones with The BroadcastOpening act, The Broadcast,
hails from Asheville and offers
hard-‐edged, soulful rock music
bursting-‐at-‐the-‐seams. Drawing
much of their ambience from 70’s
classic rock, they’re a band with an
guitar, mood-‐altering keys and a
rock-‐solid rhythm section. Their
infections energy and authentic
approach match them well with
headlining band, St. Paul and
The Broken Bones. Based out of
Alabama, St. Paul and The Broken
Bones deliver soul mixed with grit,
elemental rhythm, fabulous brass
section and a performance that
Paul Janeway has an extroverted
performing style that enraptures
his audience. “I’m going to be
dancing, getting in the aisles,” he
says. “That’s just the way we do it.
It really takes me back to church.
There’s not a lot of difference.
When I get on stage, it’s, ‘All right,
it’s time to pour it on.’”
Friday, January 10th – Jim Lauderdale with Cruz ContrerasCruz Contreras is the front man
for the Americana band, The Black
writing skills were recognized as
they won the Independent Music
Award for Best Song-‐Story in 2012.
Contreras has collaborated in the
the headlining act for the night.
winning musician and one of the
most respected artists working
in the Bluegrass, Country and
Americana music communities
today. Jim is also in high demand
as a player, touring with the likes
Carpenter, Rhonda Vincent and
Elvis Costello.
Saturday, January 11th – Iris Dement with Beth SnappBeth Snapp, from Northeast
Tennessee opens for Iris Dement.
Snapp’s vocals, lyrics, and melodies
blend together beautifully into a
distinctive acoustic experience. She
delivers a unique singer songwriter
feel that is not only crisp and
truly a testament to her talent.
songwriter Iris Dement headlines
described as roots-‐folk as well as
country, but no one denies that her
songs speak to the heart. She just
recently released a new album of
in 16 years, Song of the Delta.
Friday, January 17th – John Cowan with Mountain Heart
award winning band which
combines elements of rock, jam
band, country, blues, jazz, folk and
bluegrass music into a high-‐energy
sound. Critics now describe the
band using terms such as “acoustic
overdrive”, “Folk rock on steroids”,
and “slam grass”. John Cowan, also
known as the Voice of Newgrass,
has been singing his heart out
soaring vocals have only improved
with time. Together with Mountain
bringing a new, edgier, more rock-‐
Saturday, January 18th – Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives with Lost River Cavemen
been touring nationally and
pumping life back into Roots music
since 2005. The Cavemen spin their
music into an aural web that is
catchy, profound and playful. Marty
Continued on page 5
St. Paul and The Broken Bones
Jim Lauderdale
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 5
winner, platinum recording
and charismatic force of
oeuvre is ably supported by
the coolest cats in Nashville
– his backing band, The
Fabulous Superlatives.
Friday, January 24th – Jason Isbell with Holly Williams
Williams Sr.’s grand-‐daughter,
opens the show. She’s described as a
powerful singer-‐songwriter whose
newest album has been met with
huge, critical acclaim. Jason Isbell
was once one of Drive-‐By Truckers’
great songwriting weapons.
The Alabama singer-‐songwriter
just released the powerful and
profound Southeastern, which
candidly addresses his hard fall
and hopeful rise. Not easily labeled,
you could call Isbell a master of
Americana Rock.
Saturday, January 25th – Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott with special guest Amythyst Kiah
has an eclectic array of
has found a way to fuse
traditional roots music with
a contemporary style that
does not take away from
the integrity of the original
song, and transforms them
into powerful, soulful
winning folk & bluegrass
musician, Tim O’Brien,
teams up with award-‐
songwriter, Darrell Scott,
to perform as the headliner
at this show. Back in 2000,
the two kindred spirits had joined
forces to record the deep and
scintillating Real Time, which
was widely acclaimed on release
and has since become recognized
as a towering achievement in
Americana annals.
Doors open at 7:15 and the
shows will start at 8pm. Ticket
prices will vary for each show, and
weekend passes are a new addition
to the tickets this year. For more
information and tickets call Barter
or go online at www.bartertheatre.
com. A complete lineup of the
2014 Abingdon Music Experience
series can be found online at www.
abingdonmusicexperience.com.
Continued from page 4
Iris Dement
Marty Stuart & The
Fabulous Superlatives
Page 6, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
Saturday, January 4th, 2014, at
concert of bluegrass music by the
the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for
children 6 to 11, under age 6 free.
been performing at Carter Family
began presenting concerts in
deceased) formed the family
band in the late 1960s when his
Memorial Music Center board
member from the day the center
Family Band no longer tours, they
try to perform at the Fold when
their schedules permit. Now
the group has expanded to include
siblings. Raymond is Director of the
Music at Morehead State University.
records. Raymond serves on the
Carter Music Center’s board of
directors in addition to serving as
the Artistic Director at the Fold.
Joining Raymond will be his sister
vocals. Older sister Alice will lend
her instrumental and vocal talent
along with husband Al White on
join the group on banjo,
Jennifer, will be featured on
vocals and mandolin. Baby
sister Nancy Ann will be
helping out on vocals.
Raymond’s 40 plus
years of entertaining have
taken him to performances
in all 50 states and 62
foreign countries, including
a tour as a musical
ambassador of the U.S.
State Department. For
Family Band, Raymond was
featured internationally at
thousands of festivals and
concerts and as a soloist in
orchestras. Raymond was
with Jim & Jesse’s Virginia
performs with Canadian harmonica
whiz, Mike Stevens. Through the
dozens of CDs and records.
For some of the best bluegrass
Come on out and join us for one
of the most memorable musical
evenings you can imagine! For
www.mclains.com.
Carter Family Memorial Music
rural arts organization established
to preserve traditional, acoustic,
mountain music. For further
information on the center, go to
Shows from the Carter Family Fold
can be accessed on the internet
com. Carter Music Center is part
of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s
Heritage Music Trail.
the Crooked Road Music Trail site
Partial funding for programs at the
center is provided by the Virginia
Commission for the Arts and the
National Endowment for the Arts.
For recorded information on shows
coming up at the Fold, call 276-‐
– page Carter Fold – and Twitter –
Twitter @carterfoldinfo. To speak
to a Fold staff member, call 276-‐
594-‐0676.
McLain Family BandCarter Family Fold
January 4th, 7:30pm
www.theloaferonline.com
Starting January 1, visitors to
an increase in admission costs.
Children under the age of four are
always free.
This increase in admission cost
comes after a decision from the
to expand the state sales tax to
attractions throughout the state.
bill in 2014 is likely to increase by
$200,000 or more.
corporation, everything we make
from ticket sales goes back into
and making it accessible to visitors,”
Stewardship Foundation Executive
Director Penn Dameron. “We try to
set our ticket prices at the lowest
level that will enable us to meet our
expenses, so unfortunately when
our tax burden increases our ticket
prices have to increase as well.”
Mountain travel attraction
has been owned and operated
Stewardship Foundation, a
Mountain and sharing its wonders
in ways that deepen visitors’
appreciation of nature and inspire
good stewardship of the earth.
ticket per person) and drive their
own vehicles through the park,
stopping along the way to enjoy
a variety of activities. The cost
of admission covers everything
in the park including the Mile
Museum, various hiking trails and
different picnic areas scattered
throughout the park.
Admission also includes
natural outdoor enclosures are
home to black bears, river otters,
bald eagles, cougars and white-‐
tailed deer, and give visitors an up-‐
close perspective of the animals as
they live in the wild.
The Stewardship Foundation
relies on admission sales to
underwrite the expense of
operating the travel attraction
and nature park, as well as
conducting research, education,
and conservation activities. For
more information, visit www.
grandfather.com or call 800-‐468-‐
New Grandfather Mountain Admission Pricing Starts
January 1stSurveys show that the main reason people
visit Grandfather Mountain is to enjoy the
beautiful mountain scenery. The second is to
cross the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge.
(Photo by Hugh Morton)
Grandfather Mountain features natural habitats where guests can see and
photograph native wildlife such as bears, cougars, otters, a golden eagle
and deer in natural situations from close range.(Photo by Helen Hopper)
Page 8, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
Aaron Tippin is a force of nature,
a man whose passion for music
fuels an array of othervigorous
enthusiasms. Apart from writing
and recording songs and wowing
crowds with his live appearances,
Tippin is also a pilot, farmer,
winemaker, outdoorsman, avid
bodybuilder and devoted family
label. It’s no surprise then that so
many in the music industry regard
this tireless South Carolinian as the
Believed”, his exclusive album for
Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores,
Tippin has now released a
second collection of songs,
one that salutes America’s
truck drivers. It’s called “In
Overdrive” and features
the trucker classics “East
Bound And Down,” “Drivin’
Billboard,” “Movin’ On,”
“The White Night,” “Roll
On,” “Truck Drivin’ Man,”
Fool” and “Danger Dave.”
“In Overdrive” was
sparked by Tippin’s
concern that country
music had turned its back
on its highway heroes.
“Seems like somewhere
along the line trucking music got
shoved off the country music plate,”
he observes. “I don’t understand
exactly why. The trucks are still out
there and they’re busier than ever
keeping America rolling. I know
the folks who work and live in the
trucking world still love this music -‐
and so do most fans of real country
music. This album launches my
crusade to bring the music back.”
Tippin has crusaded for the
working man and woman since he
ripped country music wide open
in 1990 with his uncompromising
Something.” On the strength of that
remarkable song, comedian Bob
him when he toured the Mideast
to entertain the troops of Desert
Storm. Tippin has been a favorite
of -‐ and a standby for -‐ America’s
In the years that followed,
Tippin’s voice continued to ring
loud and clear with such hits as “I
“There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong With
to the kind of automotive clunker
most of us have had to rely on at
one time or another), “My Blue
Angel,” “Working Man’s Ph. D.,”
co-‐wrote with his wife and partner-‐
in-‐everything, Thea).
Tippin became immediately
enraged by the sneak attacks of
Stars And Stripes And The Eagle
time and rushed to Nashville and
tracked this emotional anthem that
reminds countless people as to
what it means to be an American.
Tippin has since journeyed to Iraq
and Afghanistan to sing for the
troops.
Tippin’s retreat is a 500 acre
farm in middle Tennessee, where
he labors, relaxes and revels in the
outdoors with wife and musical
collaborator Thea and their two
sons, Tom and Ted. It’s also the
with four working aircraft), Aaron
Tippin will perform at Niswonger
pm. Tickets are $25 for orchestra
and mezzanine level seating and
$15 for balcony seats. Tickets
may be purchased online at www.
npacgreeneville.com, in person at
NPAC offers online seat
selection and no-‐fee ticketing.
through Friday, 10 am until 5
arts center is located adjacent
For venue information, and to
purchase tickets, please visit www.
npacgreeneville.com.
Aaron TippinNiswonger Performing
Arts CenterJanuary 11th
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 9
Dance Society opens its ninth year
with a contra dance on Saturday
January 4, 2014. The event will be
held at the Jonesborough Visitors
Center at 7:00pm featuring the
Asheville band “Spinning Wheel”
dance. Admission is $7, $5 for
students. A class for newcomer
contra dances will run from 7:00-‐
break at 9:00pm.
“Contra dance is a way for all
citizens of the area to rededicate
ideas and ideals for diet and
exercise changes. We know from
the experts that most people start
the year with ambitious
goals for weight loss,
smoking cessation or
other behavioral changes
states organizer David
Wiley. “The problem
is that many of these
commitments fade away
in the short term” adds
Wiley. “Our contra dance
program, even though it is
held only twice per month
can jump start anyone
toward their goals. We
dances won’t make or
program, but for many,
it made a difference. We
have built the foundation
for our own dance
community in addition to
starting a monthly family
dance series. Now, one
can contra dance twice a
month for FREE at ETSU
on the second and fourth
Tuesday.
Spinning Wheel unites
two friends who have
played for contra dances
in the area for many
years. The band consists
Coker also plays for Boom Chuck
which performed at the most
recent Jonesborough contra dance.
Contra dance is a form of
American folk dance in which the
dancers form a set of two parallel
lines that run the length of the hall.
Each dance consists of a sequence
of moves and steps that ends with
the couples having progressed one
position up or down the set. All
dances are taught by the caller. No
partner is necessary and you are
encouraged to dance with as many
different people as possible.
Many of the basic moves
resemble square dancing—swings,
allemandes, do-‐si-‐dos—but
contra dancing are more a sort
of amusement park ride that the
dancers make for themselves. A
square dance set is comprised of
only four couples, whereas the
length of the hall only limits the
number of couples in a contra
dance set. To join a set, only a
partner and soft-‐soled shoes are
necessary. All that is left is to have
to dress comfortably and stay
hydrated with lots of water.
For more information on
Saturday’s dance or any upcoming
events, please call David Wiley
www.historicjonesborough
dancesociety.org
Jonesborough Dance Society on
Contra Dance Begins 9th Year in Jonesborough!
January 4th, 7pm
Page 10, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
Alligators, red pandas, camels and beavers
Throughout the year, paleontologists
found new species and added a variety
of specimens to the collections of fossils
that have been found during previous dig
seasons.
“This has been a good year for us,” said Dr.
horse material, more panda, camel, and
are piles of dirt that were moved during
construction of the museum in 2005.”
beaver, which was found in the spoil piles.
types of beavers at the same locality, ETSU
paleontologists say, suggests that they
had very different lifestyles; otherwise
they would have competed for the same
resources.
Alligators were a highlight from the
season, as well. A nearly complete skeleton
with skull and jaws was recovered late in
found near this skeleton suggest that a
second individual is present. Paleontologists
hope to recover more of the second specimen
next summer.
A tibia, or shinbone, similar in size to that
of a Fisher, a medium-‐sized member of the
weasel family, was found in several pieces.
One section was recovered in place, whereas
the other was found during processing in the
lab.
“We haven’t found any carnivores of this
size, so this tibia represents a new species
A summer camper found a peccary tusk in
one of the spoil piles. Peccaries are America’s
version of a pig. Today’s peccaries are much
Most live in Central and South America, but
the collared peccary spills into southwestern
U.S. deserts.
“Even though we have at least three kinds
so every specimen is important,” Wallace
said.
this year, such as a camel hoof core, which
New Finds Highlight 2013 at Natural History Museum, Gray Fossil Site
Continued on page 11
Alligator left leg
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 11
to rock; because of this, fossils have been
compressed over time, which has led to most
preparators generally spend several weeks
piecing together each skull found.
Paleontologists also found more red
panda material, which is becoming one of
the common animals at the site. Red panda
fossils have been recovered in all the test
individuals that are at least three times the
size of a living red panda.
This year, more focus has been placed on
recovering microfossils, which has led to the
discovery of several associated rabbit teeth,
a squirrel or small chipmunk jaw with teeth,
bird material, snakes and lizards. Enough
salamander material was recovered that
In addition, three ETSU paleontologists
have teamed up to work on a small bone
that belongs to an extinct form of venomous
snake. To identify this bone requires that
the same bone from all forms of pit vipers
from North America, Central America and
eastern Asia be photographed and analyzed.
This big project on the small bone is nearing
completion by Sandy Swift, collections
manager of the ETSU Vertebrate Paleontology
Dr. Blaine Schubert, director of the Center of
Excellence in Paleontology and its Natural
on Interstate 26, is open Tuesday-‐Saturday
from 9 a.m.-‐5 p.m.; the museum will be
closed from Dec. 24-‐Jan. 1 in observance
of the holidays. For more information, call
naturalhistorymuseum. For disability
Continued from page 10
Horse tooth
Alligator skull
Page 12, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
There was a time in Bristol’s
history, when the focus was on
hospitality. In the early 1900s, the
rails brought visitors to town and,
with a grand hotel on virtually
every corner, those visitors were
encouraged to linger in the City,
purchase goods and services and
enjoy a hot meal in a myriad of
restaurants.
Bristol’s past played into the
with the City of Bristol, Virginia,
and the partners of Creative
announced that the Roanoke,
Virginia partnership will transform
Sessions Hotel Will Be Bristol’s “Welcome Mat”
Continued on page 13
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 13
the 800 block of State Street into
a destination hospitality complex
centered around a 70-‐room luxury
“At one time in America’s history,
almost every small town or city
had a popular and successful
“We want to bring that dynamic
back to life in Bristol,” he added.
“welcome mat” for Bristol, as
well as add another layer of
interest to the vibrant, downtown
community,” he said.
The complex will span nearly
the entire 800 block of State Street
and 15 Commonwealth Avenue,
encompassing the properties
that currently include the Owen
Equipment building and adjacent
and the Mill. Additional details
will dramatically transform the
downtown streetscape, including
a courtyard and an arched entry to
the hotel parking lot, as well as new
retail and residential buildings.
destination hospitality complex,
blurring the line between “old” and
“new” with architectural design
and detail relevant to Bristol’s
history. Featuring 70 upscale hotel
rooms, a spa and a restaurant, the
hotel will also boast a music stage
and green space venues, a roof top
garden café, and roof top bar.
“The rooftop bar will provide
a view of Bristol few have seen,”
visited, and as we came back for
events like Bristol Rhythm and
Roots, we all agreed a rooftop bar
had to be included in our plans,” he
added.
Craddock, is the developer of the
which consistently maintains an
80% occupancy rate year round
and has won numerous awards
“Visitors want to get a sense that
the city has some history about it,
and that buildings from the past are
escorting the city into the future,
and not being eliminated in the
name of progress,” said Craddock.
“We believe that the history
of Bristol should be preserved
through the adaptive reuse of
buildings,” he added.
“As visitors travel to Bristol,
they are increasingly in search
of the authentic, quintessential
Bristol experience,” said Matthew
Bolas, Executive Director, Bristol
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
“They want to dive into the city
at street-‐level: following the trail
of unique eateries; straining to
hear the chords emanating from
behind the doors of a friendly pub;
or perusing the work of local artists
who creatively distill the essence of
the city they call home,” he added.
“With State Street being
anchored by the Sessions
and the Birthplace of Country
Music Museum, there will be an
almost magnetic pull of visitors
throughput the entire length and
breadth of our City,” he said.
“Our objective is to work
in smaller towns and cities to
redevelop downtown communities
by restoring historic buildings
and converting them into unique
Christner of Cornerstone
Bristol is a great historic property,
and we are anxious to become
immersed in all that Bristol has to
offer,” added Todd Morgan of MB
Contractors.
Construction will begin on the
projected opening date of Spring
2015.
According to Bristol, Virginia
Assistant City Manager, Andrew
provide a strong economic boost to
the City.
million in capital expenditures to
the property,” he said. “In keeping
with the local theme of the project,
much of the skilled detail work will
be done at the hands of local artists
will ultimately employ 70 FTEs,
and guarantees a return of $1.2
sales taxes alone,” he added.
Virginia based partnership focused
on the development of boutique
hotels in small markets, and on the
repurposing of historic buildings
as well as new construction. The
partnership combines the talents of
three industry leaders. Cornerstone
analyses, determines viability,
and makes recommendations
for property size, styling and
Craddock of Craddock Cunningham
Architectural Partners specializes
in the vision, design and
repurposing of historic structures.
And MB Contractors provides a
solid foundation of construction
costs and craftsmanship.
In addition to the Sessions
projects include the expansion
of their existing Craddock Terry
revitalization and expansion of
Boston, Virginia; the adaptive
reuse of One Mill Place, Farmville,
Virginia; and the feasibility, design
and construction of a ground up
boutique hotel-‐-‐The Rutherfoord
projects under various stages
of development are located
in Concord, North Carolina;
Roanoke, Virginia; Culpeper,
For additional information:
creativeboutiquehotels.com
Continued from page 12
Page 14, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
The music of folk singer and
dulcimer player, Sarah Morgan,
embodies her respect and joy
of folk music and her creative
approach to arranging. Backing
traditional Appalachian melodies
and haunting old time tunes with
fresh harmonies and a progressive
drive, she lends a new feel to
seemingly “old” tunes, while
accompanying pure and heartfelt
vocals with the unpretentious
sound of the Appalachian dulcimer.
Folk, Americana, and Old-‐Time
roots are brought to the forefront
at live shows, where only Sarah and
her dulcimer can be found behind
the microphone, creating a subtle
yet powerful sound that brings
the relevant music of the past to
today’s audience.
sarahmorganmusic.webs.com
Sarah MorganAcoustic CoffeehouseJanuary 15th, 8pm
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 15
The City of Johnson City, the
Tennessee Wildlife Resource
Beautiful are now collecting
Christmas trees as part of the annual
Treecycle program. TWRA will place
habitats, enhancing not only the
overall aquatic habitat of our lakes
local anglers.
any decorations) will be accepted
for drop-‐off through Saturday, Jan.
18 at the Winged Deer Park Boat
Ramp parking lot on Carroll Creek
Road. Trees should be placed at the
northwest side of the parking lot
below the recycling drop-‐off station.
Johnson City residents with
collection may place their trees
at the curb for pickup through
Saturday, Jan. 18. These customers
are advised to keep Christmas trees
separate from brush to ensure the
trees will be designated for the
Treecycle program.
For more information, please
Put Your Christmas Tree To Good Use After The Holidays
Page 16, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
Presenting blood and platelet donors will be
entered to win a $1,500 gift card
The American Red Cross is asking donors
promotion. Present to donate blood or
and be entered to win a $1,500 gift card to use
toward a vacation getaway.
the opportunity to make a difference in
patients’ lives, along with a chance to get
away and relax.
“Winter weather and busy schedules can
keep donors away this time of year, but the
need for blood is constant,” said Steve Maness,
Interim CEO, Carolinas Blood Services Region.
“The Red Cross relies on volunteer blood
The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services
Region provides lifesaving blood to patients
in more than 100 hospitals. Approximately 1,600 people need to give blood or platelets
each week day to meet hospital demands.
With blood drives held every week
throughout Eastern Tennessee, there are
countless opportunities for donors to help
improve the lives of others and possibly
improve their homes, as well.
Upcoming Blood Donation OpportunitiesFriday, January 3Mountain City Care Center, 919 Medical
Tuesday, January 7American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive,
Wednesday, January 8American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive,
Johnson City, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Friday, January 10
Erwin Community at First Christian Church,
5:00 pm Monday, January 13Oak Street Baptist Church, 804 Oak Street,
Tuesday, January 14Johnson County EMS Rescue in the Crewette
727-‐9472
American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive,
Wednesday, January 15American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive,
Johnson City, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Saturday, January 18American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive,
Monday, January 20
Wednesday, January 22American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive,
Johnson City, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Friday, January 24Wesley Memorial United Methodist
Church, 225 Princeton Road, Johnson
Tuesday, January 28American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive,
Wednesday, January 29American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive,
Johnson City, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Thursday, January 30
Parkway, Johnson City, 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm,
In
Memory of SFC John Rosselot
The American Red Cross Encourages
Donors “Give and Go”
www.theloaferonline.com
Battles are still being waged by
Vietnam veterans, but, this time,
from home. For Vietnam veterans
in upper east Tennessee, across
our State and nation, the Vietnam
exposure to Agent Orange takes
its toll on them, their children and
grandchildren.
the code name for the spraying
of a host of herbicides, primarily
Agent Orange, by the U.S. military in
Vietnam and other Southeast Asian
countries to protect American and
allied troops by defoliating the
dense jungle vegetation hiding
enemy positions.
East Tennessee veterans served in
Vietnam, and no one knows for sure
how many of them were exposed to
Agent Orange. Some were deployed
in areas during and immediately
after spraying operations, while
others actually handled Agent
Orange and did the spraying.
Over the past few decades,
and medical research has shown
that Agent Orange and other
herbicides containing dioxin have
an elevated probability of causing,
or contributing to, a variety of
sometimes fatal illnesses being
suffered by veterans who served
in Vietnam between January 1962
and May 1975.
The list of diseases related to the
veteran’s exposure to Agent Orange
is ever-‐growing. The evidence
for inclusion of diabetes mellitus
type II as a presumptive disease is
very strong and the same is true of
prostate cancer and other service-‐
connected presumptive conditions,
lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea).
It’s also been reported that three-‐
to-‐six percent of Vietnam veteran’s
children are born with some kind
percent birth-‐defect rate among
evidence also points to increases
in birth defects and developmental
problems in the children of Vietnam
veterans and others exposed to
dioxin-‐like chemicals.
The Tennessee State Council,
Vietnam Veterans of America,
VVA Chapter 979, Johnson City
Chapter 824 with support from
Tri-‐Cities Military Affairs Council
are pleased to announce that an
will be presented on January 14,
6PM-‐9PM, at Northeast State
75, Blountville, Tennessee. The
a platform for asking questions
and an opportunity for veterans,
their children, grandchildren or
surviving spouse to speak with
attend. For further information,
contact Jerry Campbell, President
Agent Orange Town Hall MeetingNortheast State Community
CollegeJanuary 14th, 6pm
Page 18, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
a volunteer Christian ministry,
is a free health clinic providing
medical, dental, chiropractic, eye
care, eyeglasses, medications and
counseling to low-‐income, working,
uninsured and underinsured
residents of the greater Bristol
community.
Because our services are offered
at no cost, we must fundraise
to cover operating expenses.
We would like to announce our
Valentine’s day fundraiser, “Sweets
for the Sweet”. For a $50 donation,
$45 of which is tax-‐deductible,
volunteers will deliver a beautifully
wrapped, Blackbird Bakery cupcake
to the person of your choice, along
with a message personalized by
you. We will also include a note
letting them know a donation
has been made in their honor to
This year, we are offering a
discount to anyone ordering large
quantities of cupcakes. Orders
of ten or more will receive the
cupcakes for a donation of $25
each. This is a great way to honor
someone, or let them know you are
thinking about them, and make a
contribution to a worthwhile cause
at the same time. In the past, many
of our deliveries have been made to
someone other than a sweetheart,
such as assistants, nursing
home residents, cancer patients,
neighbors, etc… Remember, your
tax-‐deductible contribution stays in
our community and helps working
people who cannot otherwise
afford healthcare.
This is the 4th year we have
conducted this fundraiser, and we
hope to see it grow to the point
that we are able to sell every
cupcake Blackbird Bakery donates
to this project. We will soon be
taking orders via our website at
healinghandshealthcenter.org or by
at the center, 210 Memorial Dr.
Bristol, Tn. We encourage everyone
to order early, as quantities are
limited.
over 50,000 patient visits and 16
years of service and is proud to be a
United Way of Bristol agency.
Sweets for the SweetHealing Hands Health
Center Fundraiser
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 19
Third generation
Appalachian psychic Pat
Bussard, recently featured
appearances on Friday and
in Abingdon’s Star Museum.
last until approximately 9:45.
Bussard will seek contact
with visitors’ loved ones
in spirit, even those who
how best to proceed in
2014-‐-‐-‐directions to look in,
matters to take heed of.
Pat, who claims psychic
ability is “in the blood,”
inherited her gift from her
mother and grandmother.
daughter Stephanie, who
often participates in Bussard’s
appearances.
Bussard, Sr. is sometime
contributor of ‘Weird World’ in
True Tales of the Weird, Unusual
& Macabre,’ available on Amazon.
Writers, for scribes whose primary
interest is the paranormal. And
is an accomplished photographer
with work currently on exhibition
She describes her Star Museum
appearances as “evenings of
reconnection, healing and joy, in an
incredible haunted setting. ”
Although Bussard has long given
missing person cases), she initiated
more economical gallery readings
last autumn, at Abingdon’s Star
Museum.
Observed one recent patron: “I
thoroughly enjoyed my reading
with Ms. Bussard. A reading with
her is like therapy. After you’re
gives you an insight which helps
you sleep better and removes
unwanted stress.
It’s so wonderful to hear things
from the people you’ve lost and
know they’re watching over you
day-‐to-‐day, their spirit often there.
I recommend many people have a
gallery reading with her!
She was wonderful. ”
Pat’s group appearances
create an opportunity to receive
information and solace for less
than the urban going rate of $175
for half-‐hour readings. Admission
is $40 each.
Folks are encouraged to arrive
by 7:15 pm, at 170 East Main
Street, uptown in Abingdon’s
historic district. They should avoid
aura-‐clouding alcohol prior to a
reading, and be prepared to turn
off cell phones for the allotted time.
Paid reservations may be
secured in advance by going online
to eventful.com, and typing in ‘Pat
Bussard.’ Or visitors may pay in
cash at the door once a reservation
276-‐698-‐1092; or Robert, at 276-‐
608-‐7452. The program will begin
Photo by Jeremy Cantelli:
Intrepid regional psychic and
medium Pat Bussard, shown last
year during a psychic investigation
at the abandoned St. Alban’s
Sanatorium, in Radford, Va.
Psychic Bussard New Year ReadingsAbingdon’s Star Museum
January 3rd & 4th
Page 20, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
The Tusculum College Pioneer
Jazz Band will be hosting a
Dance fundraiser on Friday, Feb.
and dinner at 7 p.m. The event will
include dinner and a performance
of the Pioneer Jazz Band, along
with special guests.
The event is a fundraiser to help
raise money for much-‐needed
equipment for the entire Tusculum
band program, according to David
A. Price, director of music at
Tusculum College.
“We have planned a wonderful,
romantic night of great food,
great music and dancing through
the evening,” Price said. “It’s
the perfect event for Valentine’s
Day, with a few special surprises
included. Tickets would also make
a wonderful Christmas gift for
someone special.”
Ticket prices are $50 per person
and include dance tickets, an
opening reception, a prime rib
and shrimp dinner and a special
dessert. Please call in advance to
request a vegetarian substitution.
A cash bar will be available.
Tickets are available for purchase
or emailing daprice@tusculum.
edu. A hotel package special is also
Sponsorships and table packages
are also available for the event by
contacting Price.
The Pioneer Band Program at
Tusculum College began in 2010,
with the creation of the Pioneer
Pep Band. The Pep Band became a
much-‐enjoyed feature of the 2010
Pioneer football and basketball
seasons, as the band performed at
the Pioneer Club tailgate parties
before each home football game
and during pregame and half-‐time
festivities.
A concert band was formed in
the 2010-‐2011 academic year as
well, and the newly-‐formed group
was honored to be asked to play at
the Inauguration Ceremony for the
College’s new president, Dr. Nancy
B. Moody, on October 8, 2010.
To date the music program
continues to grow each year and
has also formed a Jazz Band, several
small instrumental ensembles and
Tusculum College, the oldest
college in Tennessee and the 28th
oldest in the nation, is a civic arts
institution committed to developing
educated citizens distinguished by
academic excellence, public service
and qualities of Judeo-‐Christian
character. Approximately twenty-‐
one hundred students are enrolled
two additional off-‐site locations
The academic programs for both
traditional-‐aged students and
working adults served through
Studies program are delivered
using focused calendars whereby
students enroll in one course at a
time.
Valentine’s Day Dinner/Swing DanceTusculum College Band Fundraiser
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 21
Celestial events in the
skies for the week of
Dec. 31, 2013 to Jan. 6,
2014, as compiled for
The Loafer by Mark D.
Marquette.
Venus is saying good-‐
bye this week, but you
better wave quickly as
it’s gone next week to
a conjunction with the
Sun. Twilight takes
hold at 6 pm with
Venus just above the
western horizon on
the weekend it’s hard to see in the solar glare. Venus will pop up in the morning sky ahead
of the Sun by mid-‐January. Dominating the winter skies will be planet Jupiter and constel-‐
Tues. Dec. 31
begins, but by midnight the most famous of all star patterns is standing on its three-‐starred
handle, its bowl of four stars pointing to the North Star, Polaris. By 4 am the Big Dipper is
pouring its contents on the landscape below, its handle arcing to the spring star Arcturus.
The curve continues to bright, white Spica and a red star—the planet Mars.
Wed. Jan. 1
calendars are a convenience of civilizations, originally to mark the key times of planting,
cultivating and harvesting of important food crops. Otherwise, the third rock from the
around our favorite star.
Thurs. Jan. 2 A thin crescent Moon might be seen above the setting Venus just above
the horizon at 6 pm. But the next days will see the Moon advance
across the early evening sky as a waxing crescent. This week the
Bearer, both large but indistinct constellations which lack any bright
stars.
Fri. Jan. 3 On this 2004 date in space history, NASA’s golf-‐sized rover called Spirit lands on Mars. It
lasted more than 6 years—pretty good for a factory guarantee of a 90-‐day mission! Spirit’s
twin, which landed Jan 25, 2004, is still alive and well into its 10th year of amazing explo-‐
ration of an alien world.
Sat. Jan. 4 Peak of the Quadrantid Meteor Shower is this morning after 2 am. But it should be worth
Sun. Jan. 5
Orion stars Betel-‐
armpit”) and Rigel
Mon. Jan. 6 Orion is hurdling
over the horizon and
well up in the east
behind the mighty
hunter is bright stars
Procyon and Sirius,
in the Small and Big
Dog, respectively.
With Betelgeuse, they
form the sky aster-‐
ism called the Winter
Triangle.
Page 22, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
There is always exciting news
around the Solar System from
mankind’s robotic extensions, but
what might have been glossed over
by the main stream media is the
new occupants on the Moon.
China has joined the small club
of nations conquering the Moon as
Dec. 14 they landed a mother ship
with a rover that is the next step to
Chinese walking on the surface.
softly landed in the Sea of Rain,
and then dispatched a rover the
size of a mini-‐car called Jade Rabbit
months. The Communist nation of
2 billion people have joined Russia
and the USA as the only nations to
soft land a spacecraft on an alien
world.
The landing video is astounding,
Jade Rabbit have taken of each
other are unique. The Moon landing
is quite an achievement for the
China space program, which has
been accelerated with an infusion
of money and national pride with
a goal of manned mission to the
Moon early in the 2020 decade.
Already a spacecraft, Chang’e 5,
is being built for a sample return
mission on the Moon sometime in
2017.
NASA’s sophisticated
busy trying to locate the China
landers, and America’s newest
and Dust Environment Explorer
in the extremely thin atmosphere
that is might have detected the
landing exhaust from the China
Meanwhile, NASA has been
quite busy with an emergency
repair to the cooling system of the
International Space Station, and
some concern over worn wheels on
Mars rover Curiosity.
Space walking astronauts
succeeded in replacing a defective
pump in the ammonia cooling
system on the ISS, resuming
normal activities in the $100 billion
orbiting complex with the six
means that a commercial supply
ship of Orbital Science can be
blasted off next month as private
businesses continue developing
spaceships.
On Mars, NASA’s two orbiters and
two rovers keep several hundred
employees busy taking care of day-‐
to-‐day operations. While rover
Opportunity is about to celebrate
10 years on the surface this Jan.
24th, the car-‐sized Curiosity rover
has been on the surface 17 months
and is showing signs of wear.
Scientists at the Jet Propulsion
expressed concern that several
of the six aluminum wheels have
chipped and shown minor damage.
This is not the case for six-‐wheeled
Opportunity, which is the size of a
golf cart and not as heavy.
The wheel wear is the result of
the rough terrain Curiosity has
traversed in the three miles it’s
traveled since landing Aug. 5, 2012.
It has another three miles to go
before climbing up the foothills
of Mt. Sharp, and hopes to be on
the slopes by July 2014. Driving a
tortoise pace of a quarter-‐mile an
hour, the slow speed is to avoid any
harm to the complex rover.
So far the $1 billion Curiosity has
of a once water-‐drenched Martian
high Mt. Sharp. Just when that
being determined, but most likely it
4.5 billion year history. Rover
is in an area that was once a small
lake. And from orbit, MRO has
found evidence of underground
water and seasonal water oozing
out of the sides of craters.
China On The Moon And Nasa’s Worn
Tires On Mars
Continued on page 23
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 23
Else where in the Solar System, NASA has
in operation orbiters around Mercury and
Saturn as well as Mars. Plus, one spacecraft,
DAWN, is headed to dwarf planet Ceres in
and dwarf planet Pluto will be visited in July
Closer to home, a new weather satellite
is being prepared for a late February launch
from Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency’s
Space Center.
Measurement Core
Observatory satellite
international satellite
mission that will provide
advanced observations
of rain and snowfall
worldwide, several times
a day to enhance our
understanding of the
water and energy cycles
that drive Earth’s climate.
The data provided by
calibrate precipitation
measurements made by
an international network
of partner satellites to
quantify when, where,
and how much it rains or
snows around the world.
Every day and
seemingly everywhere in
our Solar System, there
are robots of mankind
extending our knowledge
about who we are and
where we are heading as
a human civilization. And
what is so amazing about
this Space Age generation of the 21st Century
is the images and data can be accessed
by anyone with a computer and Internet
connection.
During the indoor time that winter brings,
interplanetary missions by the world’s
that science fact is stranger than science
Continued from page 22
Page 24, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
As New Year’s Eve approached, I realized
that I had learned something over the course
of December. My place is really dirty.
Cleaning like mad in preparation for a few
friends I had coming over for a gathering that
night left me with one big question: “Was that
had been slightly coerced into hosting a New
Year’s Party. It’s not that I mind them, I just
sometimes feel awkward at them. Everyone
around me is sloshed, looking for an
acceptable mouth to ram their tongue into at
midnight. While I sit in the corner with a diet
This was going to be a far more scaled
back version of that. The eight friends who
were coming would be providing their own
booze, there would be party games, and one
was bringing a karaoke machine. The sight
of booze and a karaoke machine could only
mean one thing, that shortly after 12:01,
someone would try to get everyone singing
it silly as I spent most of the early afternoon
shine, knowing that I would have to do it all
over again tomorrow.
I made some party mix and set it out.
Then I did a quick run to a deli and picked up
some party trays I had ordered for the night. I
didn’t feel like putting too much effort into it.
games out for the night. A small group of our
favorites, and this year I had managed to track
game. We’d all been talking lately about how
awesome that show was, and how we should
excited, even though the idea of a number
of moderately intoxicated people playing
me.
I realized at this juncture some of you
might be asking “What is ‘Double Dare’,
and why is it pertinent to this story funny
a game show that used to be on Nickelodeon
in the 80s and 90s, it was a show in which
kids would answer questions to win money,
or they if they couldn’t answer the question,
they could take a physical challenge to get
the money, and make a mess of themselves
in the process. Whoever won would go on
to the obstacle course, which was a crazy
messy thing and gave away Nintendos and
sometimes cars. It was awesome, and a lot of
the shows from Nickelodeon in the 90s are
part of a generational touchstone for people
my age.
informed my world view, or anything like
that, though “The Adventures of Pete and
my generation likes looking back on these
shows and the lovely memories they make,
yes, we’re nostalgic. The hour of watching
was a lovely thing, in the same sense that the
hour of Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross on PBS
was the most zen hour ever in the history of
television. OK, back to the party.
As the clock clicked around to seven, folks
began to show up. Everyone remarked on
how clean my kitchen was, which made me
feel awfully good about pondering cat dust
we were eating pizza and sandwiches, it was
a lovely time and the games hadn’t even
been glanced at. After much food had been
enjoyed, my friend Casey made his way
over towards the stack of games. I saw him
out of the corner of my eye, and I knew he
After a short group geek out over
there was much rejoicing from our inner
seven year olds. We divided into two
teams of four, with one person sitting
out, and Casey taking the role of Marc
those of you who don’t know). My team
was losing badly, but if we could pull
off just one physical challenge, we were
gonna take the lead and have a shot at
the obstacle course.
I had twenty seconds to get three foam
balls into a cup on the top of the head of one
of my team mates, I was anxious to get this
one right, as it was the gonna determine if I
was gonna get to stick my head up the giant
nose or not, metaphorically speaking. It was
times, landed one ball in the cup. A few more
seconds passed, and I landed a second ball in
the cup, ten seconds were left, and just as I
tossed my next to last ball, I missed. I took
Chariots of Fire in my brain, and right as the clock ticked down with two seconds left, the third
ball went in. We won the fake money, we
were going to the low rent obstacle course.
A small celebration broke out. My
teammate and I hugged each other, and it was
lovely. Casey kept screaming “down to the
my couch and began jumping up and down on
it. Now I am not the most lightweight person
in the world, and what I didn’t realize is that
my jumping up and down had jostled loose
the framed portrait of dogs playing poker that
rests above my couch. I jumped back down
and sat on the couch, and right as I did so,
the portrait came a tumbling down. Tumbling
down, directly onto my head.
The glass, thin as it was, shattered right on
top of my head. I sat calmly as everyone came
to check to see if I was bleeding. I was in pain,
but I didn’t think I was in harms way. Casey,
who by now was well into the wind, freaked
out. Casey ran over to me, and in some type
of primetime medical drama fantasy, started
to shout “You’re not gonna die on me, Ross!
very weakly beat on my chest, as if he was
and everyone helped pick the glass off the
couch, and we changed to a different game.
What we hadn’t realized, was that it was
sing a long yet, but we did notice that it was
highly possible the picture fell on me right
at that stroke of midnight. I wasn’t a ball
dropping, but I did see what looked like time
square all a glow for a little bit afterward.
It was a gathering that has yet to have been
topped, because I’m making it an active
practice to not almost knock myself cold
Year. See you next week.
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 25
13 to 14
Page 26, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
www.theloaferonline.com
presenting my favorite movies of
the year. Please notice I said my
list may not be considered by many
critics to be among the best of the
year, but as a movie fan, I found
them entertaining. My favorite
1-‐ “Star Trek
Into Darkness”-‐
While I loved the
rebooted series,
the latest “Trek”
adventure was
packed with
enough action
and emotion
as the villainous
An amazing
cinematic ride
in space with
Sandra Bullock
Clooney. If you
didn’t see this in the theater and in
Steel”-‐ Finally
a Superman
movie for a new
generation. I felt
perfectly cast,
and I loved the
new uniform.
Who knew the
in 2015.
The Desolation
of Smaug”-‐ The
c o n t i n u a t i o n
of the tale of
Bilbo Baggins,
was more action
packed than the
again stirred
more controversy with new
characters and an expanded plot
line. I say the additions were very
welcome.
Fire”-‐ Jennifer
gang return in the
increased budget,
on all levels.
6-‐ “World War
Z”-‐ I was happy
a zombie movie
could be successful and thrilling
without all the graphic gore
Pitt was at the top of his game, and
the chills kept me on the edge of my
seat.
7-‐ “Out of
the Furnace”-‐
Christian Bale, as
usual, wows in
this moving tale
of two struggling
brothers in the
“Rust Belt” of
P e n n s y l v a n i a .
a revelation.
8-‐ “The
Conjuring”-‐ I had
to pick this one
because not only
was it creepy,
but was based on
true facts.
9-‐ “OZ The
Powerful”-‐ In
most instances
this return to the
yellow brick road,
was loved or loathed by movie fans.
I really enjoyed the return to the
Emerald City and had a wonderful
time with all the colorful eye candy
on the screen.
sure knows how
to make a splash
on the big screen,
as he did with the
latest incarnation
of the tale by F.
Scott Fizgerald.
DiCaprio is at his movie star best,
There you have it. My favorite
enjoyable 2014 at the movies!
Page 28, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 29
be over by the time you read this)
is any indication, books are indeed
alive and well, regardless by what
means you might read them. This
has been a very exciting year for
book publishing, and the following
list is just a smattering of what
has tantalized and challenged
our minds during the past twelve
months. Needless to say, this is
a very personal list and may not
student of history and humanities,
many of these books are about
subjects near and dear to my
heart, and because I read very
course free to create your own list
in what follows. So, with all the
preliminaries out of the way, let’s
get started:
Topping the list is a very thick
book I reviewed
a few weeks ago.
This sumptuous
volume, 1001 Ideas That Changed The Way We Think
edited by Robert
Arp is not designed to be read
cover-‐to-‐cover but to be enjoyed
in any way you choose; from
Cannibalism to the Church of the
Flying Spaghetti Monster, here are
the ideas that have shaped, and
continue to shape, human culture.
Movie, art, and music buffs
will no doubt be delighted by the
following publications. The one
of a planned three-‐volume magnum
opus devoted to his favorite band.
The Beatles: All These Years—Volume One: Tune InA r c h e t y p e )
covers the band’s
d e v e l o pm e n t
until December
“The Pre-‐1971 British Monetary
System Explained” should give
you a clue as to its completeness).
Equally magisterial, but not quite
fascinating musical biography of
J.S. Bach, arguably the inventor of
rock and roll, jazz, and just about
everything else.
Bach: Music In The Castle Of Heavenshould be on
every musician’s
bookshelf and
is the perfect
c o m p a n i o n
to Paul Elie’s
Reinventing Bach
Ready For A Brand New Beat: How “Dancing In The Street” Became The Anthem For A
Changing AmericaBooks) not only gives an in-‐depth
analysis of the pop song, but
also provides a fascinating and
informative history of American
popular music and a reassessment
movies, you have no choice but to
own a copy of David Thomson’s
perfect coffee table book, Moments That Made The Movies
companion to his
of the movies,
The Big Screen,
published last
year. Filled with
sumptuous photographs from
key movie scenes from the 19th to
the 21st centuries, this is almost
as good as watching the movies
themselves. Being the pop culture
fanatic I am, I can’t help but name
Chain Saw
How We Made The World’s Most Notorious Horror Movie
Books) as Book Of
it or not, this is a very literate and
insightful analysis of the making
of “Texas Chain Saw Massacre”
since the author is better known as
A Well-Read Year: The “Kelly’s Place” Bookshelf
Awards For 2013
Continued on page 30
Page 30, The Loafer • December 31, 2013
wielding maniac from the movie).
For art lovers and those interested
in learning more about art, we
have Alain de Botton and John
Armstrong’s thought-‐provoking
picture book, Art and Therapy
which shows
how art history
can be a form of
therapy, helping
us confront
some of life’s
most perplexing
Deborah Solomon’s revisionist
biography of an American, and
controversial, art
icon: American Mirror: The Life And Art Of Norman Rockwell Straus, and
For those who
bent, I can highly recommend the
books. First, we have University
of Tennessee Professor Ernest
Freeberg’s fascinating account
of the dawning of electricity—
The Age of Edison: Electric Light And The Invention Of Modern America
Press), which
is particularly
timely now that
it appears the
old-‐fashioned electric lightbulb is
have ever wondered how we found
ourselves immersed in the world
of social media, you should read
Tom Standage’s
Writing On The Wall: Social M e d i a —T h e First 2,000 Years
which shows
how Facebook is
much older than
we realize. All
medical students, and everyone
else, should peruse Anatomies: A Cultural History Of The Human Body Aldersey-‐Williams, a tour not
only through our bodies, but
through human
cultural history
as well. If you’re
as frightened
of modern
psychiatry and
pharmaco logy
as I am, you
The Book Of Woe: The DSM And The Unmaking Of PsychiatryRider Press) a
shattering) look
at how many
modern maladies
are created for
pharmaceutical
and insurance companies, leaving
the patients to suffer even greater
woe at the hands of unscrupulous
practitioners. A truly engaging
and enlightening look at the 19th
century evolution debates that
still resonate today is Monte
Reel’s Between Man And Beast
lively account
of how Paul
Du Chaillu’s
discovery of
gorillas in Africa
produced a
c o n t r o v e r s y
in science and
of reality for the modern world.
The following books appeal to
those of us who crave alternate
American histories and not just
those business-‐as-‐usual textbook
Jesse Walker’s The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theoryand Owen
Davies’ America B e w i t c h e d : The Story Of Witchcraft After Salem
of how conspiracy
theories and
our fascination
of) the occult
have shaped our
history in strange
and often-‐too-‐
familiar ways. In
similar fashion,
m e s m e r i z i n g
biography of
Manson: The Life And Times Of Charles Mansonand Schuster),
gives us a
chilling portrait
of a man who has become forever
intertwined with the history
of modern America. Simon
Winchester’s The Men Who United The States
ingenious look at
those inventors,
explorers, and
en t repreneurs
who gave shape
ill) to the place
we now call the
United States. Books about what we
generally call “evocative objects”
are very popular
now and The Smithsonian’s History Of America In 101 Objects, edited
by Richard
Penguin Press)
and The New York Historical Society’s The Civil War In 50 Objects
invite hours of
learning). A
related European history volume is
Shakespeare’s Restless World: A Portrait Of An Era In Twenty Objects
general interest
“ m u s e u m
piece” is Molly
The Secret Museum: Some Treasures Are Too Precious To Display.
Two specialized
studies that
I can highly
r e c o m m e n d
are John
S t rausbaugh’ s
c a n ’ t -‐ p u t -‐
down history
V i l l a g e— T h e VillageCo l l i n s )—and
James Swanson’s
gripping account
a s s a s s i n a t i o n
done without
getting bogged down in conspiracy
t h e o r i z i n g ) ,
End Of Days
you enjoy the
aforementioned
book about
Village, you
should also
check out
Russell Shorto’s just-‐published
history of a fascinating place in
the Netherlands—Amsterdam: A History Of The World’s Most Liberal City
As I close
out this much-‐
t o o -‐ l e n g t h y
is in danger of
outdoing the
Beatle’s volume with which I
opened this column), I must include
along with a book about selling.
and creationism and the demands
made by love, The Explanation of Everything, is required
reading, as is
Asheville native
Marisha Pessl’s
Night Film, a
superb horror
novel about a
mysterious and
very dangerous
here is the book
about selling
business and
m o t i v a t i o n a l
book that is really
helpful and not
platitudes): To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others
So many books, so little time. See
you next week with a much shorter
column. Thanks for hanging in
there with me to the not-‐so-‐bitter
end.
Continued from page 29
www.theloaferonline.com December 31, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 31
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